Applicator for treating surfaces



March 14, 1933. c. F. SEIBERT ET! AL APPLICATOR FOR TREATING SURFACES Filed June 24, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORNEY March 14, 1933- c F, s T ET AL 1,901,826

APPLIGATOR FOR TREATING SURFACES Filed June 24, 1929 3 SheetsSheet 2 INVENTORS ATTORNEY March 1933- c. F. SEIBERT ET AL APPLICATOR FOR TREATING SURFACES Filed June 24, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sponge Rubbe s m m A TTORNEY Patented Mar. 14, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CARL IE. SEIBERT, OF HAMILTON, AND ELMER J. SEIBERT, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO APPLICATOR FOR TREATING SURFACES Application filed June 24,

.Our invention relates to applicators for treating surfaces and is intended for use for treating the surfaces of vehicles, such as auto- .mobiles, in washing or cleaning, waxing or polishing the same. The object treated will be hereinafter referred'to as an automobile.

Our improved device is intended for use in connection with the vehicle treating device shown, described and claimed in our application for patent on vehicle treating device filed in the United States Patent Office January '17, 1929, as Serial No. 333,189.

It is the object of our invention to provide a novel applicator having a resilient cushion surface; further, to provide novel means for obtaining cushioning of the applying surface; further, to provide novel cushioning means and arrangement of the same under the -a-pplying surface; further, to provide novel cushioning means and resilient applying end for the applicator; and, further, to provide novel means for controlling the cleaning liquid.

i The invention will be further readily understood from the following description and claims, and from the drawings, in which latter:

Fig. 1 isa side elevation of our improved device, with the handle shown in axial sec- 30 tion and the flexible part of the drivingshaft partly broken away.

Fig. 2 is an axial section of our improved device, taken in the plane of the line 22 of Fig. 6, and partly broken away.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a detail taken on the line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 41 is a side elevation of the applicator partly broken away and with the fabric layers successively partly broken away, and shown partly in section in the plane of the line 2-2 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 5 is a cross-section of our improved device, taken in the plane of the line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a cross-section of our improved device, taken in the plane of the line 66 of Fig. 1, and partly broken away.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the inflatable cushion member shown inflated and laid out in plane and partly broken away.

1929. Serial No. 373,301.

Fig. 8 is a cross-section of our improved device, taken in a plane similar to the plane of the section line 55 of Fig. 2 and partly broken away and showing a modification of our improved device.

Fig. 9 is a plan View of the cushion member of this modification, laid out in plane and partly broken away.

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of the knitting at the tapered end of one of the treating bags, partly broken away.

A central tube 11 is provided. This tube is shown as a tapered tube tapering toward its delivery end. It is preferably a stiff tube, being made for instance of metal. A laterally resilient tube 12 is at theouter end of the tube 11. The tube 12 ispreferably a resilient tube and may be made of soft rubher. It normally maintains its tubular form, but is laterally resiliently yieldable to lateral pressure for bending the same laterally out of line with the tube 11.

The tube 11 has a tapered bore 13 and the tube 12 has a bore 14 which registers with the bore 13. The connection between the tubes may be accomplished by a tubular bushin 15, fixed in the bore of the tube 12 by providing the bushing 15 with a flange 16 which pinches into the wall of the bore of the tube 12 for holding the same to the tube 12 in axial direction.

The outer end of the tube 11 is preferably cylindrical for a short distance to form a slide connection in axial direction with the bushing 15. This cylindrical portion is provided with slots 17 extending lengthwise of the tube 11. Lips 18 extending inwardly from the bushing 15 are received in the slots for connecting the tubes 11 and 12. A stiff reinforcing ring 19 is received about the inner portion of the tube 12 in which the bushing is located, and presses the inner end of the tube 12 between it and said bushing for fixing the tube 12 in axial and lateral directions to the bushing and ring. v

A flexible cover 21 is located about the tubes and is spaced therefrom, thus providing an annular space 22 between the tubes and said cover. This cover is preferably tapered and is preferably of substantially greater length than its diameter at its point of greatest diameter. It is shown in the form of a sustaining bag. Its outer end is connected with the tube 12, as by having its outer end portion 23 vulcanized to the outer periphery of the tube 12, for integrally connecting the outer end of the flexible cover with the tube 12.

The flexible cover is preferably of soft rubber, and'may have resiliency substantially like the resiliency of an inner tube of an automobile tire.- p

The butt end of the cover is provided with a mouth 25. The margin'26 of the mouth is fixed to the tube 11. This is shown accomplished by providing the inner end of the tube 11 with an annular flange 27. A clamp-plate 28-is provided with an annular clamping edge 29 which coacts'with the clamping flange 27, the clamp-plate and tube 11 being clamped together, as by providing the tube 11 with inwardly extending lugs 30, screws 31 being received through holes in the plate and thread ed into said lugs.

The plate 28 is provided with a mouth 35 which registers with the mouth 25 in the flexible cover and the bore of the tube 11.

A cushion member 36 isprovided between the tubes and the cover for cushioning the cover and permitting resilient lateral yield of the cover with relation to the tubes.

This cushion member is exemplified as an inflatable cushion member. It is shown as an inflatable tube 41, arranged spirally about theinner tubes 11 and 12, and as provided with restricting elements, shown as thimbles "42, placed short distances apart about the tube, and restricting the expansion of the tube at said thin1bles,.as shown at 43, and permittingexpansion of the tube between said thimbles, as shown by the expanded sections 44 of the tube. This exemplification is shown in Figs. 2, 4', 5 and 7.

The end of the inflatable tube which is received about the butt end of the tube 11 is shown tapered, as at 45, for a short distance.

' The other end of the tube is shown tapered at 46 for a considerable distance, for providing expanded sections which are arranged to fill the tapering space 22 between the inner tubes and the flexibe cover, with substantially equal amount of expansion throughout the inflat-- able tube, forproducing-substantially equal cushioning eflectupon the cover throughout the length of the cover. Fig. 7 shows the structure reduced in size.

The'inflatable tube is provided with the usual air-valve 51 provided with a checkvalve 52 having a stem 53, and arranged to yield to air pumped into said inflatable tube for'inflating the same, and holding the compressed air in said inflatable tube. As an example, but not as a limitation, it may be stated that the inflatable tube may be'inflatable to a pressure in a range of from 10 to 30 ounces per square inch.

The air-valve is suitably secured in the inflatable tube in manner to prevent leakage between the same. The outer end of the airvalve is preferably located adjacent to the butt end of the tube 11, and may be provided with a cap 54 received over the threaded outer end of the thimble of the air-valve and extend through a hole 55 in the outer cushion member.

The tube 11 is provided with perforations 61. Thecover is provided with perforations 62. The tube 12 is provided with perforations-63. These perforations form passages for fluid between the inside of the inner tubes and the outside of the cover.

The expanded sections 44 of the inflatable cushion tube are preferably so arranged that said expanded sections of the respective layers or turns of said inflatable tube about the tubes 11, 12,are opposite spaces 64 between proximate inflated sections of the proximate layer or stretches of said inflated tube. These spaces are shown formed by the restrictive action of the thimbles' 42 upon the inflatable tube. These spaces form fluid passages, so that the fluid may pass between the inner tubes and the outer cover through the space between said inner tubes and cover.

The applicator headTO is rotatable. This is accomplished by providing the butt end of the applicator with a hub 67, shown secured to the inner tube by means of spokes 68, rigidly fixed to said tube lland said hub, for rigidly connecting said hub and tube. Deflectors are provided in the tube 11 for deflecting the streams of fluid received therein. These deflectors are shown at 69, and may be extensions of the spokes. They rotate with the inner tube.

A handle 71 is provided, shown as a tube. A drive-shaft 7 3 is journaled in ball-bearings 74, 75, in the handle, and has suitable drive connection '7 2 with a flexible shaft 76, receiving its driving power from'a suitable source of power and the rotation of which is suitably controlled.

The flexible shaft is in a flexible casing 81 covered by a rubber tube'82. The flexible casing and cover therefor are fastened in the handle, as'by having av clamp end 7 8 of the handle clamped thereabout. The flexible shaft is suitably driven as by an electric motor 80, controlledby an electric switch 83 on the handle 71. The electric switch is in wiring 84 leading from the motor and extending lengthwise of and attached at suitable points to the flexible casing and'its cover.

There is a chuck 85 between the inner end of the drive-shaft 73 and the hub 67. This chuck comprises a cup 86 fixed to thein'ner end o'f the drive-shaft. It is shown as a tapered cup, and is arranged to receive the tapered portion 87 of the hub 67 A threaded stud 88 is fixed in the cup and is complemental shaft and the applicator.

A liquid supply head 91 is provided with an annular fluid channel 92. It is fixed to the handle, as by having its hub 93 received in the tube of the handle and secured thereto by screws 94. The head is received about the chuck 85..

The head may be made in sections which are secured together by screws 95, rotatable in holes in one of the sections and threaded in threaded holes in the other of said sections. A packing groove 96 is located between the sections for receiving a Water packing 97 which is pressed between the walls of said groove and the cup-member 86 of the chuck.

The head 91 is provided with discharge orifices 101 proximate to the mouths 35 and 25 respectively in the clamp-plate 2'8 and the flexible cover 21. These orifices extend lengthwise in the general direction of length in the bores 13, 14, in the tubes 11 and 12. They are arranged about the axis of said tubes.

They preferably slant slightly toward said axes, and in such directions that the streams of fluid projected therefrom merge at the outer end of the central bore of the applicator, so that, when said applicator 1s non-rotating, the fluid from the multlple streams ejected from the discharge orifices in the head will merge as a single stream at the outer end of the applicator, in order to provide a forceful stream of water, if such should be desired for cleaning purposes.

When the applicator is rotated, the fluid deflector blades 69 break the streams of fluid ejected from the head 91 into spray which is discharged into the bores of the tubes 11 and 12, deflecting said streams of water ejected from the head spirally toward the walls of the bores 13, 14, in the tubes 11, 12, for eject ing the fluid through the passages 61, 63, in the tubes 11 and 12, through the passages 64 in the cushion member 36, and through the passages 62 in the cover 21.

This provides a substantial and spray-like supply of fluid at the sides of the applicator, the ejection of the fluld laterally in spraylike form being aided by the rotation of the applicator. It may be stated that this rota- {tion may be comparatively rapid and may for example, but not as a limitation, be exemplified as in a range of 300 to 450 revolutions per minute.

7 A liquidsupply pipe 105 is threaded in an opening 106 in the head and communicates.

with the channel 92 therein. This pipe is a rigid pipe and is clamped to the outer end of the handle by means of a clamp 107, leaving a space 108 between the pipe and the handle for the operators fingers in grasping the handle. A valve 111 is connected with the pipe. A flexible hose 112 is clamped by means of a clamp 113 to a nipple 114 at the outer end of the valve.

This valve is preferably a whistle type valve, and comprises a valve-member 117 arranged to seat on the valve-seat 118, being urged to said seat by a spring 119 about the valve-stem 120 and located between the valvemember 117 and a plug 121 threaded into' the valve. The valve-stem reciprocates in a guiding hole 122 in the plug.

An operating stem 125 extends fromthe valve and is guided in a guiding hole 126 in a plug 127 threaded into the valve casing. A.

packing 128 is located about the operating stem, a follower plug 129 being threaded in a threaded socket 130 .of the plug for forming a liquid tight packing about the operating stem for preventing leakage. p

A bracket 133 is fixed to the valve casing and has an operating lever 134 pivoted there: to on apivotpin 135. The lever is provided with a seat 136 coacting with the outer end of the operating stem 125. An adjusting screw 138 is threaded in a threaded bearing 139 in the leverand bears against the bracket. The operating end 140 of the lever extends into convenient position so that it may be readily operated by the operators hand. It is shown in proximity to the handle 71.

The adjustment of the adjusting screw by means of its knurled head 141 adjusts the valve to a desired open position for continuously feeding liquid through the head 91 and the feed-ports 101 into the interior of the applicator. This feed may be small or great, as may be desired for continuity of the operation being performed, or the valve maybe closed altogether by so adjusting the adjustmg screw.

The hose 112 may be fed from a suitable source of liquid supply, as a public Water service, the piping for which has a shut-off valve therein.

If a full flow of liquid is desired through the valve 111,.the operating end 140 of the operating lever 134 is depressed for opening the valve 111 to full extent.

This full flow of the liquid may take place when rotation of the applicator. is caused to stop, so as to get a full stream of liquid through the applicator and out of the free end of the applicator. A reduced flow of liquid is usually supplied to the applicator while rotating the applicator.

The construction provides ready means conveniently operated for regulating the flow and received about the cover or bag 21.

These treating bags are exemplified at 143 to 148 inclusive. These treating bags are preferably seamless fabric knittedbags, and are preferably knitted in full fashion form, the knitting and material being such as is 'most adaptable for the treating operation.

They may for instance be of knitted cotton. The treating bags may be softer or harder, or finer or coarser, as may be desired, and as the character of the finishing shall require.

They conform to the form of the cover or bag 21 The outerends of the treating bags are preferably provided with open mouths 150, in line with the bores in the tubes 11 and 12.

The mar ins 151 of these mouths are referably formed by a reinforced edge 152 of the material, as exemplified diagrammatically in Fig. 10, thereby reinforcing themargins so as to make the same reasonably selfwhen the outer treating bag has served its sustaining. These-openings are at the apex ends of the treating bags.

The base ends of the treating bags are provided with months 153, the margins 154 of which are elastic. This may be accomplished for instance by providing an annular rubber band 155 in an annular channel 156 in said margin.

Each of said treating bags is preferably provided with such a resilient mouth. This forms ready means whereby the treating bags may be placed about the cover or bag 21, and whereby the treating bag'smay be individually removed or stripped off of the applicator present usefulness, so as to expose the treating bags successively for use in the treating operations. The treating bags conform to the shape of the cushioned bag or cover 21 when the inflatable member thereunder has been inflated. The treating bags and sustaining bag or cover rotate together with the balance of the applicator.

The use for which the applicator is employed may be instanced as a washing or cleaning operation, the liquid employed being water, the flow ofwhich may be regulated during rotation of the applicator. Th water is deflected-laterally by the deflectors in the baseend of the applicator, the water passing through the outer inflated cover or bag and through the mesh of the treating bags,

the rotation of the applicator aiding in eject in g the water at the sides and throughout the length ofthe applicator in spray form. suitable detergent or other solvent maybe supplied to the water or liquid passingout' of the applicator.

Our improved applicator provides ready means for removing old wax or other finishing material; tar, mud and dirt from the surface being cleaned, and treating bags adapted to the particular use may be employed. As the outer treating bag becomes soiled it is removed or slipped off of the applicator for exposing the treating bag thereunder successively.

These treating bags may be washed or cleaned for reuse and are capable of reuse a great number of times.

If desired, the cushion member may be made of other material, for instance, sponge rubber. Such a modification is illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 in which the cushion member 236 comprises blocks 244 of sponge'-rubber, which are provided with holes 238, and strung upon a cord 239, and spirally wound about the tubes 11 and 12, the respective ends of the cord being knot-ted as at 2&0 for retaining the blocks thereon, the structures being wound spirally about the tubes 11 and 12. The blocks are so formed as by constricting portions 242 of the same, that liquid passages 26% are provided between them communicating with the liquid passages 61 and 62.

We do not herein claim the treating bags or their structure or relation to the applicator, nor broadly the resilient end member and its connections with the tube and the outer end of the flexible cover, norbroadly theflexible cover its form and the driving means therefor, nor the arrangement of a flexible cover, a central driving tube or shaft extending into one end of the flexible cover, a resilient shank connected with the other end of the flexible cover and extending into the same and having drive connection therein with said tube or shaft; nor making said drive connection axially shiftable; having shown,

described and claimed the same in a copending. application for patent on improvements in' applicators for treating surfaces, filed in the UnitedStates Patent Ofli'ce' June 12th,.

1929, as'Serial No. 370,192.

Having thus fully described our invention,

what We claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1'. In an applicator of the character described, the combination of a rotatable tube, a flexible cover about said tube having connections at its ends with said tube', anda pneumatic cushion member between said tube'and said flexible cover. v

2. In an applicator of the character described, the combination of a rotatable tube,

a flexible cover about said tube, a pneumatic cushion member between said tube and said flexible cover for distendlng said cover, po'rous releasable rubbing means about said cover, and liquid feeding means for said tube; said tube, Sit-1d" flexible cover and said pneuber section at the outer end of said rigid sece matic cushion member provided with lateral liquid passages for leading the liquid to said porous releasable rubbing means for saturating the latter.

3. In an applicator of the character ,described, the combination of a rotatable tube, a flexible cover, and an elon ated cushion member provided with constricted portions spirally wound about said tube between'said tube and said flexible cover.

4. In an applicator of the character described, the combination of a rotatable tube, a flexible cover, a cushion member between said tube and said flexible cover for distending said cover, and a resilient end member having connection with the outer end of said tube, said tube and said end member having coaxial bores.

5. In an applicator of the character described, the combination of a rotatable tube comprising a stiff main tapered section and a resilient rubber section at the outer end of said main section, a rubber covering bag vulcanized at one of its ends to said rubber section and secured at the other of its ends to the other end of said main section, and an elongated cushion member about said tube IEetween said tube and said rubber covering 6. In an applicator of the character described, the combination of a rotatable tube comprising a rigid section and a resilient rubber section at the outer end of said rigid sec tion, a rubber covering bag one end of which is secured to said resilient rubber section and the other end of which is secured to the inner end of said rigid section, said bag intermediate its ends being spaced from said tube, and an elongated rubber cushion member arranged in turns in said space about said tube.

7. In an applicator of the character described, the combination of a rotatable tube comprising a rigid section and a resilient rub tion, a rubber covering bag one end of which is secured to said resilient rubber section and the other end of which is secured to the inner end of said rigid section, said bag intermediate its ends being spaced from said tube, and an elongated resilient rubber tube arranged in turns in'said space about said first-named tube, said elongated resilient rubber tube provided with constricted portions and cushion portions, and said cushion portions or adjacent turns being arranged opposite spaces between the cushion portions of neighboring turns in said elongated resilient rubber tube formed by said constricted portions.

8. An applicator-head of the character described comprising a central tube and a flexible cover connected together, said cover intermediate its ends being spaced from said tube,

and an elongated cushion member provided with construct-ed portions and arranged spirally about said central tube in said space.

9. An applicator-head of the character described comprising a central tube-and a flexible cover connected together, said cover intermediate its ends being spaced from said tube, v

and an elongated cushion member arranged spirally about said central tube in said space, said elongated cushion member provided with constricted portions forming liquid passages through said cushion member, and said central tube and said flexible cover'provided with liquid passages, said liquid passages affording lateral discharge of liquid iromisaid applicator-head. t

10. An applicator-head of the character plicator-head, said liquid supply means provided with a slanting discharge orifice'constructed to form the liquid in a stream in said tube toward said axial opening, and shift' able liquid deflecting means shiftable into line with said stream of liquid and out of.

line therewith for selectively deflecting the liquid toward said lateral liquid passages or permitting the liquid to pass substantially uninterrupt-edly through said axial opening. 11. An applicator-head of the characterdescribed comprising a central tube and a flexible cover connected together, said cover intermediate its ends being spaced from said tube, said central tube and said flexible cover provided with lateral liquid passages, the outer end of said flexible tube having an axial opening, liquid supply means at the inner end of said tube having a slanting liquid discharge orifice constructed to projectthe liquid in a stream in said tube toward said axial opening, and shiftable liquid deflecting means shiftable into line with said stream of liquid for deflecting the liquid toward said lateral liquid passages for lateral discharge of liquid from said applicator-head-and out ofline with said stream of liquid for discharge of the liquid through said axial opening.

12. An applicator-head of the character described comprising a central tube and a flexible cover connected together, said cover intermediate its ends being spaced from said tube, an elongated inflated cushion member arranged spirally about said central tube in said space, said central tube having a resilient end, and a treating bag releasably received about said flexible cover, said treating bag having an outer passage in line with said axial bore.

13. A rotatable applicator-head of the character described comprising a central tube, a flexible cover, a cushion member between said central tube and said flexible cover, said central tube, said flexible cover and said cushion member provided with lateral passages, liquid feeding means at one end of said central tube, and liquid deflecting means between said liquid feeding means and the interior of said central tube for deflecting the liquid toward said lateral passages, the other end of said central tube provided with an end opening in line with said liquid feeding means.

14. A rotatable applicator-head of the character described comprising a central tube, a flexible cover, a cushion member between said central tube and said flexible cover, liquid feeding means at one end of said central tube, said central tube, said flexible cover and said cushion member provided with lateral passagesdiquid deflecting means, and a resilient end member on the outer end of said central tube extending beyond said outer end, said central tube and said resilient end member provided with a central bore in line with said liquid feeding means.

15. In an applicator of the character described, the combination of a tapered central tube comprising a resilient tubular section in line therewith at the smaller end of said central tube, an inclosing flexible bag tapered longitudinally, means securing the smaller end of said bag to said tubular section, means securing the larger ends of said central tube and said bag together, said securing means, said central tube and said bag being provided with months at said larger ends, a liquid supply head at said mouths provided with liquid supply orifices inclined toward the bore in said tubular section, liquid deflecting means at said mouths, said tube and said cover provided with lateral passages, means for rotating said central tube and cover, and liquid supply means for said liquid supply head.

16. In an applicator of the character described, the combination of a. central tapered tube, a flexible tapered cover therefor, cushioning means between said central tube and said cover, a supply head attached to the base and of said tube and provided with orifices inclined toward the outer end of said tube, a deflector for the liquid adjacent said liquid supply head, lateral discharge passages in said central tube, said cushioning means and said cover, said central tube being open at the discharge end, and a treating bag releasably received about said flexible cover and provided with a central opening in line with said open end.

17 In an applicator of the character described, the combination of an applicator head comprising a central tube, a flexible cover therefor, and a cushion-member between said tube and cover, said tube, cushion-member and cover provided with lateral discharge passages, a liquid supply head attached to one end of said tube and having liquid supply passages inclined toward the other end of said tube, deflecting means for the liquid, driving means for rotatin said applicatorhead, a manipulating han' le for said heads, and a liquid control means attached to said supply head comprising an adjustable valve including an operating handle at saidman-ipulating handle arranged to regulate the force of the flow of the liquid.

18. In an applicator of the character described, the combinat-ion of an applicatorhead having a central bore and provided with discharge orifices, a drive-shaft for rotating said applicator-head, a clutch between the proximate ends of said drive-shaft and said applicator-head, a liquid supply head about said clutch, said liquid supply head provided with orifices discharging into said bore, and a deflector for the liquid adjacent to said liquid supply head and in line with said bore.

19. In an applicator of the character described, the combination of an applicator-head having a central bore and provided with lateral discharge orifices and an outer end discharge opening, a drive-shaft for rotating said zqiplicator-head, a clutch between the proximate ends of said drive-shaft and said app icator-head, a liquid supply head at said clutch, said liquid supply head provided with liquid supply orifices slanting toward said outer end discharge opening, a deflector for the liquid adjacent to said liquid supply head and in line with said bore, means for controlling rotation of said applicator-head. and means for controlling the flow of liquid through said liquid supply head.

20. In an applicator of the character described, the combination of an applicatorhead having a central bore and provided with lateral discharge orifices and an outer end discharge opening, a drive-shaft for rotating said applicator-head, a liquid supply head attached to the inner end of said applicator-head, said liquid supply head provided with liquid supply orifices slanting toward said outer end discharge opening, a deflector for the liquid adjacent to said supply head and in line with said bore, a manipulating handle for said applicator-head, control means for controlling rotation of said applicator-head, control means for the supply of liquid for said liquid supply head,and means supporting both said control means by said handle.

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto signed our names.

' CARL F. SEIBERT.

ELMER J. SEIBERT. 

